Alfa Spider Road Test

Alfa Spider

Engine choices are a 2.4 JTDM (diesel), a 2.2JTS and the 3.2 JTS V6 Q4. The 3.2 also comes with QTRONIC, is Alfa Romeo’s, 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential selection. Prices range from £25,995 for the 2.2 and rise to £32,700 for the QTRONIC but if you prefer steering wheel-mounted paddles to a push-shift, it will add a further £100.

The car tested was the 3.2 JTS V6 Q4, which is a bit of a mouthful. JTS stands for Jet Thrust Stoichiometric and that is even more of a mouthful. Basically, it means direct-injection with ‘Twin Phaser’, continuously variable valve timing for good performance, torque and reasonable fuel consumption figures. This quad-cam, V6 engine produces 260bhp (264 PS) at 6,300 rpm or giri and 321Nm (237lb ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm, of which almost 90 per cent is available from 2,000rpm.

Minus the QTRONIC, the 3.2 has a 6-speed manual gearbox and Q4, permanent 4WD. In this configuration, it takes 7 seconds to reach 62mph from standstill and the top speed is 149 mph. The Q4 system has three differentials with a Torsen C unit in the centre that divides the torque; 57:43 in favour of the rear wheels, until the sensors detect a lack of grip and command otherwise.

The Q4 system works very well, as I found out during a sudden downpour. The Spider’s behaviour didn’t differ between dry roads and an almost instantaneous flooding.

Alfa Romeo has got the right idea when it comes to safety systems such as ASR and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Fitted as standard, their system is programmed to allow for some fun before it steps in and says, ‘enough now’. There are switches to disengage both the VDC and ASR but there lies madness, unless you’re on a racing track.

Other standard safety features include the usual ABS with EBD, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and the aforementioned VDC has a Hill Holder function. All spiders come with five airbags, including one for the driver’s knees. Again, if the passenger wants patella protection, it adds £100.

I mentioned that the Spider sits lower than the Brera, which also lowers the centre of gravity. This, in combination with the extra stiffness required to compensate for the lack of roof, the wide track and the firm suspension, makes for a very stable ride. Sitting on 17-inch alloys, the car remains flat on fast bends and thanks to the positive steering, goes where you point it. And there’s the added bonus of a little bit of drama if you feel in the mood.

Drama, of course, does nothing for the fuel consumption figures of 16.7, 33.6 and 24.6mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined cycles, while the four tailpipes exhaust CO2 at the rate of 273g/km.

I enjoyed the Alfa Spider. The styling certainly attracts attention and draws you in while the engine keeps you keen. It may not be super-quick off the mark and the exhaust note is not as gruff as I would have liked but the telling point is that I know for sure that my partner would sell me into slavery to own one.